DOCG Franciacorta D.O.C.G. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e garantita

The appellation lies in Lombardy, in the province of Brescia, on the hills bordering the southern shore of Lake Iseo, at the foot of the last Pre-Alpine foothills. The production zone spans nineteen municipalities. The soils are of glacial origin, shaped by moraines left by the last ice age: they are rich in sand and silt, low in clay, well drained and naturally poor, conditions favourable to quality viticulture. The climate is continental, tempered by the proximity of Lake Iseo, which reduces the risk of frost, while Mount Orfano shelters the vineyards from cold winds. The authorised grape varieties are chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot bianco and erbamat, a local native variety. The wines are made using the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle, which sets Franciacorta apart from other Italian sparkling wines produced by the tank method.

The wines of this appellation

Franciacorta is exclusively a sparkling wine, white or rosé, made through a second fermentation in bottle. The classic cuvée, based mainly on chardonnay and pinot noir, shows a fine, persistent mousse, aromas of white fruit, citrus and fresh bread, with a lively, balanced palate. Satèn, made only from white grapes, stands out for its softer effervescence and creamy texture. Rosé, in which pinot noir plays a larger role in the blend, develops red fruit aromas and more body. Vintage-dated and Riserva wines, aged longer on the lees, gain complexity with notes of dried fruit, honey and brioche, and are suited to extended cellaring. These wines pair as well with aperitifs as with fish, shellfish, risotto and poultry; Riserva wines also match richer dishes such as white meats in sauce.